FilmForum: Dolores

“Si se puede” was the familiar battle cry of the National Farm Workers Association long before President Obama adopted the English version (“yes we can”) for his presidential campaign slogan. Little do most people know that powerful call-to-action came from Dolores Huerta, one of the most influential social justice activists of our time. In the 1960s when the Civil Rights Movement was taking shape across the country, Huerta partnered with Cesar Chavez to fight for improved working conditions for California farm workers against the powerful players of the agribusiness industry. Her goal of creating a fair labor union intersected with racial and gender equality issues of the time, and her mission grew to be multifaceted. Despite the challenges of sexism within her own organization, police brutality, and raising 11 children, Huerta’s persistent dedication has made her an invaluable example for future female leaders of color. With personal accounts from now 86-year-old Huerta and fellow activists Angela Davis and Gloria Steinem, Dolores depicts an American icon deserving of a prominent place in our history books.